Week 2 in the AFC South brings some intriguing matchups and potential redemption games for players who struggled in Week 1. Let’s see who plays and who stays on the bench in Week 2 of Play or Stay!
Calvin Ridley, WR, Tennessee Titans- Play
Calvin Ridley did not have the game he wanted last week versus the Denver Broncos. Part of that was the Denver defense, and the other part was due to drops by Ridley. Ridley discussed his drops and has put that behind him to prepare for this week against a Rams defense that can be feisty.
But one thing the Rams defense does not have is a star corner like Patrick Surtain II. With no dominant corner out there to hinder Ridley, it would not surprise me to see Ridley get off to a good start and put up some numbers. Ridley is a solid play for this week.
Cameron Ward, QB, Tennessee Titans- Play
Cameron Ward did not have the greatest game statistically versus the Denver Broncos. However, upon examining the game, it becomes clear that he had opportunities to make big plays, but drops occurred, which hindered the offense's progression. All in all, a solid performance for the rookie with the poise that he showed, but Ward wants more than just the numbers. He wants the win.
And in this game versus the Rams, expect Ward to have some of those drops become completions, along with his first touchdown pass in this one. The Titans may or may not win, but Ward will likely look better statistically in this one, matching all the superlatives analysts have been giving him about his performance last week against Denver.
Brenton Strange, TE, Jacksonville Jaguars- Play
Strange had a solid game against the Carolina Panthers last week, totaling four receptions for 59 yards. Hunter Long got the touchdown reception at tight end, but Strange was a very good weapon for Trevor Lawrence. The good thing for Strange is that the defense the Jaguars are facing in Week 2 isn’t considered a good defense either and he might have similar, if not better, numbers.
The Bengals were one of the worst defenses in the 2024 season and it is too early to believe they will not be as bad a defense this season. So, expect Strange to continue being one of the top targets for Trevor Lawrence, and for him to have some receptions and potentially score his first touchdown of the season in this game.
Travis Etienne, Jacksonville Jaguars- Play
Last week, I did not expect Travis Etienne to be used as much as he was. And he surprised me and others by having a 100-yard game against the Panthers. Not only was he the featured back, but he also got the job done, and one of his backups, Tank Bigsby, was subsequently traded to the Philadelphia Eagles following that game.
His performance last week, along with the fact that they are playing one of the worst defenses in the NFL, means Etienne could be in for another week of good numbers and potentially a trip to the end zone. Time will tell, but it seems Etienne is on a mission to start the 2025 season, and the Bengals may just be another team in the path of that mission for him. Definitely play Etienne this week.
Daniel Jones, QB, Indianapolis Colts- Stay
Daniel Jones was better than many expected, completing 22 of 29 pass attempts, throwing for 272 yards and one touchdown while rushing for another two trips to the endzone. The Colts dominated the Dolphins in every single facet and Jones was a big part of it. However, that was Week 1, and it was against Miami.
In Week 2, they are facing Patrick Surtain and the number-one defense of a year ago. And this defense is better than Miami’s. I think Jones will have a solid game, but not as good as Week 1 and that will mean a decrease in numbers and touchdowns. May want to have him stay on the bench.
Nico Collins, WR, Houston Texans- Play
Nico Collins was not a good addition for many fantasy football players last week. He only had three receptions for 25 yards and zero touchdowns in the 14-9 Texans’ loss to the Los Angeles Rams. There are many things you can chalk that up to, but the reality is Collins, their number one wide receiver, cannot have these types of numbers and the Texans be successful.
Against the Bucs on Monday night, expect the Texans to get Collins involved early and often. With that happening, expect his numbers to be better. Hopefully, no one overreacts and sits him on the bench, but he needs to be playing in fantasy football.
Nick Chubb, RB, Houston Texans- Stay
I know some were high on Chubb coming into this season. Joe Mixon is sidelined early this year and is giving Chubb some extra carries that he probably would not have gotten if Mixon were healthy. For his part, he averaged over four yards per carry in the Texans' opening game. However, he did have 60 yards rushing in the 13 carries that he had.
The fact of the matter is that the Texans' offensive line is still figuring things out, and because of that, it may not be a good idea to depend on Chubb in the running game consistently. It also seems that the Texans did not rely heavily on the run to begin with last week, either. If this is a trend, then Chubb may not be the right choice for you. Give him a stay on your bench.